# Introduction to Grants Course

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/introduction-to-grants>

## Overview

This three-day course provides a foundational overview of federal grants and cooperative agreements from concept through closeout. Participants examine the evolution of policy and the core regulatory framework—especially the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200—to understand how compliance, roles, and documentation are structured across programs. Through lecture, discussion, case studies, and practical exercises, learners connect policy to day-to-day grants management tasks.

Learning outcomes include the ability to identify the stages of the grants lifecycle, distinguish mandatory from discretionary programs, and interpret pre-award and post-award requirements. Participants will become conversant with key award components, the government decision and application processes (including Grants.gov), and recipient monitoring and audit expectations. The course also builds baseline negotiation and performance oversight skills relevant to federal assistance.

## What you'll learn

- Identify the stages of the federal grants lifecycle from concept to closeout.
- Distinguish between mandatory and discretionary programs.
- Interpret pre-award requirements within the Uniform Guidance framework.
- Interpret post-award requirements within the Uniform Guidance framework.
- Explain key award components and navigate federal decision and application processes, including Grants.gov.
- Review Subparts A–D of 2 CFR Part 200.
- Apply baseline skills in negotiation, performance oversight, recipient monitoring, and audit preparation.
- Connect federal policy and regulatory requirements to day-to-day grants management practices.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Evolution of Grant Policy, Regulations, and Management

- Overview of the history and development of federal grant policy and oversight.
- Key regulations and guidance that shape modern grants and cooperative agreements.
- How policy shifts affect agency practices and recipient responsibilities.

#### Module 2: Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR 200)

- Structure and intent of the Uniform Guidance and how it consolidates requirements.
- Core definitions, applicability, and compliance expectations for recipients.
- Roles of federal agencies and pass-through entities in ensuring compliance.

#### Module 3: Grant Management Lifecycle—Mandatory and Discretionary Grants

- Stages from concept and announcement through award, performance, and closeout.
- Differences between mandatory and discretionary programs and their implications.
- Decision points, documentation, and oversight touchpoints across the lifecycle.

#### Module 4: Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards

- Prerequisites for making awards, including eligibility, risk review, and terms.
- Required elements of the award instrument and program announcements.
- Budget review basics and alignment with program and statutory requirements.

#### Module 5: Post-Federal Award Requirements & Closeout

- Monitoring recipient performance, internal controls, and audit considerations.
- Managing programmatic and financial reporting throughout performance.
- Closeout responsibilities for agencies and recipients, including final audits.

## Schedule
- Jul 6, 2026 – Jul 8, 2026 — Live Online
- Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 7, 2026 — Live Online

## Instructors

### Seitu Stephens, J.D. — Instructor

Seitu I. Stephens, J.D., is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in federal grants management, compliance, and program oversight. With more than two decades of experience working with federal, state, territorial, and nonprofit organizations, he specializes in helping agencies and grant recipients design, manage, and monitor federally funded programs in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).

Mr. Stephens has trained hundreds of grant professionals across government agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher education. His instruction focuses on practical strategies for managing federal awards, structuring and monitoring subawards, ensuring financial accountability, preparing for audits, and strengthening internal controls to protect federal funds and program outcomes.

He has developed and delivered numerous professional development courses on topics including grant program design, risk assessment, subrecipient monitoring, procurement under federal awards, and audit preparation. His courses combine regulatory expertise with real-world case studies that help participants translate complex federal requirements into effective operational practices.

In addition to his training work, Mr. Stephens advises organizations on strengthening grant management systems, improving compliance frameworks, and building sustainable partnerships between government agencies and community-based organizations.

Mr. Stephens holds a Juris Doctor degree and is widely respected for his engaging instructional style and his ability to make complex federal grant regulations clear, practical, and actionable for practitioners.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1320